Covalent amphiphilic polyoxometalates for the design of biphasic microemulsion systems.

Covalent amphiphilic polyoxometalates generated from alkylphosphonic acids have been synthesized, characterized and monitored by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy. Among them, K3H[γ-SiW10O36(C12H25PO)2] has been successfully used as a surfactant for the stabilization of a Winsor I type microemulsion system.

Novel synthetic meshwork for glaucoma treatment. I. Design and preliminary in vitro and in vivo evaluation of various expanded poly(tetrafluoroethylene) materials.

A novel drainage implant for glaucoma filtering surgery (MESH) is proposed. After various expanded poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (e-PFTE) materials were evaluated, the feasibility and the short-term safety of the technique were assessed in this first pilot study in the rabbit. The porous structure and the in vitro resistance to aqueous flow of seven different e-PTFE membranes (5-80 microm average pore size) were compared. Eight Dutch pigmented rabbits were implanted with the T-shaped MESH implants made from either 20- or 50-microm average pore size e-PTFE membranes. Clinical examination, intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements, and histology analyses were performed over a period of 3 months. The contralateral nonoperated eyes served as controls. MESH implantation took less than 7 min. No postoperative hypotony, migration, or extrusion of the implant and no intraocular inflammation or infection occurred. A significant IOP reduction in the implanted eyes was obtained past postoperative day 21 with the 20-microm material implant. The drainage efficacy was correlated with the degree of colonization of the porous materials and the inner spacing of the implant as observed by histology. With a filtering patency 3 times longer than conventional trabeculectomy and laser sclerectomy, MESH surgery is a promising technique for glaucoma treatment. Further studies are underway to enhance the device efficacy and understand the mechanism of filtration.

[Implantation of controlled-release 5-FU for the prevention of secondary cataract: preliminary study]. / Implant à relargage contrôlé de 5-FU pour la prévention de la cataracte secondaire: étude préliminaire.

To assess the efficacy of a control drug release implant coated with 5-Fu placed in the capsular bag for the prevention of the secondary cataract.